Hornel and the Hat

Today's the day ......................... to sing carols

Edward Atkinson Hornel (1864 - 1933), the Scottish painter of landscapes, flowers and foliage, looked as if he would rather be somewhere else - but we were all very happy to be singing Christmas carols and listening to a variety of seasonal readings in his house this afternoon.

It was an annual event at Broughton House in Kirkcudbright, although nothing happened last year for obvious reasons.  But normal service was resumed today with a glass of mulled wine and mince pies to get the vocal chords fully functioning before it all began.  Hornel's Great Gallery was the perfect place to be with its baby grand piano to accompany the carols and plenty of room for the audience. 

I bet there have been quite a few artistic performances taking place there over the years ......................